Scholarships

Scholarships are often called gift aid because they are free money — financial money that does not have to be repaid.

Scholarships are usually merit-based, meaning they are given based on desired qualities such as academic achievement, athletic ability, or community or extra-curricular involvement. Scholarships can come from the federal or state government, your college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization. It is important to research the different scholarship opportunities, apply for the ones where you may meet the requirements and adhere to the specified deadlines.

Applying for financial aid

When applying for federal financial aid, you must enter at least one Federal School Code on your FAFSA. This code allows a school to access your FAFSA information in order to calculate your eligibility for federal financial aid.

SCAD Federal School Code: 015022

Students must first apply and be accepted to SCAD in order to receive financial assistance.

Scholarship opportunities for incoming students

Scholarships are available for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, and are awarded to entering students prior to first-quarter attendance. Undergraduate students who wish to be considered for achievement scholarships must provide additional materials as part of their application for admission.

Search for scholarships online

Submit a portfolio and résumé for additional scholarships

Portfolios and auditions are not required for undergraduate admission; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit both a résumé and a portfolio or audition to be considered for a scholarship.

Scholarships for currently enrolled students

Scholarships may be available to currently enrolled SCAD students based on academic achievement, financial need or a combination of the two. To be eligible, students must be on schedule to complete a minimum of 45 undergraduate hours or 15 graduate hours at SCAD by the end of spring quarter. The scholarship application for current students is available online during the month of April only. Applicants are automatically considered for all applicable scholarships.

SCAD scholarship offers for undergraduate students vary according to whether students reside in SCAD housing. Current students who have been accepted to study on an off-campus program may apply to receive travel scholarships. These scholarships are administered through the office of financial aid. If you are participating in one of the university's upcoming off-campus programs and are interested in obtaining a scholarship for the trip (including Lacoste and Hong Kong), you may direct your questions via email at studyabroad@scad.edu.

Currently enrolled SCAD student scholarships for:

Educator scholarships

Educators who are employed full time or in an adjunct capacity at the kindergarten through university level at a public or private institution may be eligible to receive a half-tuition scholarship to attend SCAD at any location or via SCAD eLearning.